﻿Emphasis on conversational Hebrew﻿Kesher’s philosophy to teaching Hebrew is based on the
proficiency approach. Through the proficiency approach, language becomes
relevant to the learners. At Kesher, this learner centered approach
emphasizes the ability to function in Hebrew, to actually be able to use
the language playing soccer and board games, having snacks, in social
interactions with staff and other kids. The kids are divided into groups
that are based on proficiency and developmental appropriateness.
Unit themes are designed to be relevant to the kids’ lives – the
Kesher environment, family, home, things we do in the home, Holidays and
Israel. The students revisit these themes each year with a variation on
the theme at a higher proficiency level in all the skill areas:
reading, writing, speaking, listening and grammar. All proficiency
levels work on the same themes at the same time, creating an environment
of cohesiveness.

JudaismThe Kesher Judaics curriculum is based on a 3 year cycle. The whole school learns the same themes at the same time, but in age appropriate ways. As children grow up in Kesher, they revisit these themes, but with greater depth as they mature developmentally. Year 1Jewish Holidays, Jewish Calendar and Life Cycle

Year 2Jewish Ethics and Values

Year 3Torah, TaNaCh, and Jewish History to the Present.

We approach the Judaica curriculum much in the same way as the Rabbis thought about the Torah, each time discovering new ideas and experiences with an ever-growing depth. We have created a three-year cycle, each year setting the course for a different journey through the same Jewish text. Each year we draw upon the other two themes (as well as many more themes) to support the focus. With each meeting of holiday, of an event in history, or a Jewish value or custom, the kids glean something new and relevant to their lives.

Chugim (Electives)

At Kesher we encourage the students to constantly learn and grow through creativity and discovery. The extended day students participate in a variety of fun chugim. All chugim are taught with some Hebrew and/or Judaism woven in. Some examples include:

DramaIsraeli DanceSportsNatureArtPuzzlesComputersBoard Game DesignBuilding with K'nexCookingKlezmer KidsCeramicsStory TellingBuilding with LegosMusic